The Galetti Fajo is a hardtail produced by a small Italian manufacturer, combining the classic mountain bike concept with the artisanal philosophy of this long-established company. Rather than maximum complexity, the focus is on a clearly structured, efficient steel frame: a rigid rear end, a suspension fork and a geometry designed for direct handling and propulsion. It is precisely this simplicity that makes a hardtail so appealing – fewer moving parts, lower weight and direct power transfer. The Galetti Fajo takes the fascination with steel-framed hardtails to the next level.
Conclusion
I stumbled across the Geletti Fajo by chance and fell in love with it straight away. You can tell straight away that this hardtail benefits from the brand’s long experience in steel frame construction. The modern geometry and versatile character are further points in favour of the colourful Fajo. The icing on the cake, of course, is a geometry tailored individually to the rider. That’s Italian craftsmanship at its best! - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
The Galetti Fajo in detail
- Intended use: Cross-country / Trail
- Suspension travel: 120 mm
- Wheel size: 29”
- Frame material: steel
- Frame weight: approx. 2000 g
- Price of frame set: from 2,320 euros
- Special features: Custom geometry and paint finish available, made in Italy
Over 100 years’ experience
The history of Cicli Galetti dates back to 1920 and is closely linked to the early days of Italian road cycling. The brand is named after the legendary Italian cyclist Carlo Galetti, who won the Giro d’Italia in 1910, 1911 and 1912. Over the decades, a small bicycle workshop in Milan developed into a brand that combines traditional Italian cycling culture with artisanal craftsmanship. After the Second World War, there were several changes of ownership: in 1952, the company was revived by the Alessi family in the Veneto region; today, the Zen family continues this legacy.
At the heart of Galetti’s philosophy lies the belief that a bicycle can be more than just a technically optimised means of transport: it should have character and create a personal connection between the rider, the bike and the road. Galetti therefore deliberately opts for steel, which the brand regards as a ‘living’ material – comfortable, durable and offering a unique riding experience. The frames are designed, manufactured, painted and assembled in Italy; great importance is attached to individual customisation, handcrafted details and close consultation with the customer. In this way, Galetti combines the aesthetics and expertise of over a century of Italian cycling tradition with the demands of modern cyclists.
A steel hardtail for a wide range of occasions
The Galetti Fajo takes its name from a tree that is widespread in the Asiago countryside. The frame of this steel hardtail is constructed from Columbus Life and Dedacciai tubes and accommodates 29er tyres up to 2.4 inches wide. Galetti offers a choice of four frame sizes, but also provides bespoke frames. The steel hardtail is optimised for suspension forks with 120 millimetres of travel. In the standard version, the head angle is a flat 66 degrees, which should allow the Fajo to perform well even on challenging terrain. The Italian brand promises a robust yet fun chassis for daily trail rides as well as for bikepacking through the countryside.
Galetti sees the Fajo’s character less in its uncompromising race-focused approach and more in the idea of a versatile bike for proper rides. The hardtail is designed to demonstrate its efficiency on fast forest tracks and climbs, whilst remaining playful enough for trails and more challenging terrain. With the right choice of tyres and a suitable suspension setup, the bike’s character can be adapted for cross-country, touring or trail riding. Galetti’s experience with versatile steel bikes – such as the Terra gravel bike, which is also designed for a variety of surfaces – fits in well with this approach, where rideability and everyday practicality are more important than raw figures. Less tech, more bike: the Fajo represents a purist interpretation of the mountain bike and is ‘made in Italy’ – something Galetti is particularly proud of.
What do you think: which colour would you choose for your custom steel-framed hardtail? Let us know in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor